Google has refused to remove search results that show the names of newly naturalised Irish citizens in the State’s official gazette, because of the Government’s “ongoing choice” to make the information public.

Concerns were expressed by a migrant rights body and by digital rights campaigners recently when it emerged the details of thousands of citizens, including their full addresses and whether they are minors or adults, are being published on Iris Oifigiúil.

At least one citizen affected has taken legal advice and this weekend sought a formal decision from the Data Protection Commissioner on the matter.

The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland said in August it was “astounded” the Government had made this private information so easily accessible to the public.

In particular, it had “grave concern” for the safety of people who have sought protection in the State – including refugees, victims of trafficking and victims of domestic violence”.